Correlates of Ecstasy use in middle age and beyond

This study examines the socio-demographic characteristics, prevalence of and attitudes to illicit drug use, and support for illicit drug policies among persons aged 45 years and older who have used Ecstasy at least once. Data are from a pooled sample of respondents (n=14,622) from the 1998 and 2001 National Drug Strategy Household Surveys. It is estimated that 80,000 persons (0.6%) in the age group have used Ecstasy. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, socio-demographic factors were not predictive of Ecstasy use. Support for needle and syringe exchange programs (OR 8.5) and a heroin prescription trial (OR 8.1); approval of the regular use by adults of Ecstasy (OR 7.8) and cocaine (OR 11.2); support for the legalisation of the personal use of amphetamines (OR 5.2); and histories of having used amphetamines (OR 7.2), cannabis (OR 6.1) and cocaine (OR 4.5) were risk factors for having used Ecstasy. A targeted study looking at the prevalence and patterns of, and motivations for Ecstasy use among persons aged 45 years and older is recommended.